This study was conducted to compare the social style of Japanese and Americans. Participants included 241 Japanese students from Otsuma Women's University and Nihon University (Tokyo, Japan) and 252 American students from West Virginia University (United States). Each completed the Richmond-McCroskey Assertiveness-Responsiveness Measure (which consists of 20 personality characteristics) in Japanese or English. Results indicated a significant difference between the Japanese and Americans on the assertiveness/responsiveness construct. Significant differences appeared between males on the assertiveness dimension but not on the responsiveness dimension and for females on both dimensions. Results indicated that the Japanese do not have to be orally explicit in order to transmit their messages. (Two tables of data are included. Nineteen references are attached, and one appendix includes the Assertiveness-Responsiveness Measure.) (MG)